Dogen's "Universal Recommendations for Zazen" - Five-week Online Class led by Nyokai Kristin Diggs (Online only)
2026-06-16 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-06-30 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-07-14 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | ONLINE via Zoom
Nyokai Kristin Diggs will be offering a five-week online class on Eihei Dogen Zenji’s seminal essay, Fukanzazengi (“Universal Recommendations for Zazen”), sometimes loosely translated “Instructions/Guidelines for Seated Meditation.” It is a rich text full of poetically written allusions to earlier Chan teachings as well as practical instructions for the physical and mental posture of zazen (sitting/seated Zen).
The five-class series will be offered approximately every other week on Tuesday evenings, 6:30pm-8:00pm, from May 19th – July 14th. During during that period, Kristin will also be offering a few dharma talks (and a one-day sitting) with the same focus.
The classes and talks will be offered on the following dates:
May 19th (class)
June 2nd (class)
June 8th (Valley Streams Dharma talk)
June 14th (Green Gulch Farm Dharma talk)
June 16th (class)
June 30th (class)
July 14th (class)
July 18th (Valley Streams one-day sitting and Dharma talk)
Please find additional information and sign-up on Eventbrite. If you would rather the class start at 7 p.m. or have questions, please contact Kristin at nyokai.kristin.diggs@gmail.com.

Morning Zazen and Service (Hybrid)
2026-06-18 06:00 - 07:30, 2026-06-25 06:00 - 07:30, 2026-07-02 06:00 - 07:30, 2026-07-09 06:00 - 07:30, 2026-07-16 06:00 - 07:30, 2026-07-23 06:00 - 07:30, 2026-07-30 06:00 - 07:30, 2026-08-06 06:00 - 07:30 and 4 more dates | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Join us for two periods of zazen (seated meditation) and kinhin (walking meditation), or just the first or second second meditation periods, as your schedule allows.
6:00 am – Zazen (sitting meditation)
6:30 am – Kinhin (walking meditation)
6:40 am – Zazen
7:10 am – Morning Service
Please arrive a few minutes before the beginning of each period to take your seat in the zendo or, if arriving via Zoom, to allow the AV person time to admit you. If you arrive on Zoom after the beginning of the sit, the AV person will not admit latecomers until the beginning of the next period. Stay for a cup of tea after service if you join in person.
•Zoom meeting link
•Chants used in our morning service (SFZC website)

Study Group (Hybrid)
2026-06-18 08:00 - 09:00, 2026-06-25 08:00 - 09:00, 2026-07-02 08:00 - 09:00, 2026-07-09 08:00 - 09:00, 2026-07-16 08:00 - 09:00, 2026-07-23 08:00 - 09:00, 2026-07-30 08:00 - 09:00, 2026-08-06 08:00 - 09:00 and 3 more dates | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
The Zen Study Group meets at the Sacramento Dharma Center and on Zoom. The study group is facilitated by Rev. So’on Jim Hare, with readings from ancient and contemporary Mahayana Buddhist & Soto Zen texts and commentaries.
To join the Thursday morning study group, email the coordinator, Rollin Ives, twl4148@gmail.com

"Chapter 4 of the Lotus Sutra" - Group Reading Program (Hybrid)
2026-06-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
For our Dharma program this evening we will do a group reading Chapter 4 of the Lotus Sutra, titled “Faith Discernment” or “Faith and Understanding.” This chapter tells the story of a son long-separated from his father and is a parable for students of the Way who have trouble recognizing their kinship with Buddha.
*Zoom link to program
Our Monday night programs begin with zazen (sitting meditation) followed by a devotional service and dharma talk, group discussion, or practice circle. There are no membership requirements to participate. We invite donations to support the room rental, visits by teachers, and other sangha activities. Valley Streams Zen Sangha is dedicated to the study of Buddha’s teaching and the practice of meditation. We invite newcomers and experienced Zen students to join us. If this is your first visit please arrive at least 15 minutes early for a brief orientation.

Full Moon Ceremony (Hybrid)
2026-06-29 19:00 - 21:00 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
The Full Moon Ceremony acknowledges the karma created by our intentional actions, and reminds us to renew our commitment to the ethical conduct expressed as the 16 Bodhisattva Precepts. These are guiding principles for our daily conduct in the world. This ceremony is rooted in a ritual from pre-Buddhist India. To prepare for the ceremony there are two 25 minutes meditation periods separated by 10 minutes of walking meditation. All are welcome to participate.
*Full Moon Ceremony Chants
*Zoom link to program
Our Monday night programs begin with zazen (sitting meditation) followed by a devotional service and dharma talk, group discussion, or practice circle. There are no membership requirements to participate. We invite donations to support the room rental, visits by teachers, and other sangha activities. Valley Streams Zen Sangha is dedicated to the study of Buddha’s teaching and the practice of meditation. We invite newcomers and experienced Zen students to join us. If this is your first visit please arrive at least 15 minutes early for a brief orientation.

Introduction to Zen Meditation (In Person Only)
2026-07-13 18:00 - 18:40, 2026-08-10 18:00 - 18:40 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
On the second Monday of each month, we offer a 40-minute introduction to Zen practice. We focus on the art of sitting meditation, with emphasis on posture, breath and mental focus. This is for new meditators and those wishing to refresh their practice of meditative immersion.
Following the instruction the Valley Streams Zen Sangha meets for a 30-minute meditation in the Dharma Hall followed by a 10-minute service and Dharma talk. You are invited to stay for these events after the instruction.
* Meets in the Library at Sacramento Dharma Center.
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